Hodges scored the decisive try that helped seal the 12-10 victory and Tate, playing on the wing, was man of the match in a team display lauded as one of the Maroons' finest ever. The 31-year-olds made their Origin debuts in 2002 and have been blighted by injuries throughout their careers.

But 24-year-old Gillett, playing in only his second series, said he could only marvel at the defensive performances of the duo who worked overtime to keep the largely dominant Blues at bay.

''Wins like that taste sweeter than when you get up by 20 points because you have to overcome the physical and mental battle,'' Gillett said. ''Watching from the sidelines in the first half and seeing the boys keep NSW out was inspiring.

'''Hodgo' prevented a certain try from [Ryan] Hoffman and 'Tatey' is just Mr Consistent, who always seems to be in the right place.''

Gillett plays alongside Hodges at Brisbane, and knows the qualities he brings to the side. He believes the experience of knowing how to win was the biggest difference between NSW and Queensland.

''NSW are a great team, and with 80,000 fans behind them it was always going to be hard to win down here,'' he said. ''But guys like Cam Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Hodgo and Sammy Thaiday have that big-game experience.

''The end of the first half we were really under the pump, and to let in just one try was a huge boost going in at half-time. I feel very lucky to be a part of this great side.''

Tate's career looked over in 2011 when he underwent a third knee reconstruction, having already come back from a serious neck injury in 2004. The North Queensland star is enjoying a golden run in the twilight of his career, and said he had every intention of continuing at the highest level next year.